Dark Night Of The Soul 20 to Signs Meaning Indepth Guide

WHAT IS A DARK NIGHT OF THE SOUL? AN IN-DEPTH GUIDE, INCLUDING STEPS TO DEAL WITH IT AND HOW TO DEAL WITH THIS SUBJECTIVE EXPERIENCE

dark nights of the Soul

The 20 main symptoms and changes in behaviour and thoughts that show you are going or have been through a dark night of the Soul period

dark nights of the Soul

So What is a spiritual dark night of the Soul?

If you feel like all has become meaningless or you come to question what you believe to be true about everyday life, it could be that you are experiencing a Dark Night of the Soul (DNOS). 

For those on a spiritual path or awakening, the dark night of the soul can seem like a time when your cut off from yourself, the world, your higher self or any divine power you believe in.

It can seem like everything around you has suddenly turned dark; some people say they fell numb, isolated from the world, and it is like a deep sorrow has come down upon them.

There can be deep feelings of loss, despair and hopelessness; this is why some compare the dark night to spiritual depression. I will discuss this later.

Traditionally the term dark night of the soul was used religiously; now, it is used a lot if therapy and spiritual settings to describe a period in a person’s life.

When they may be devoid of all happiness, nothing seems to mean anything to them anymore. If you have previously had a strong connection with a divine force, you may feel like they have abandoned you, leaving you with a sense of instability.

 

Feeling abandoned can make you fearful and angry, and some people may give up on their faith altogether; in my experience, it can feel as though you have done something wrong, and that’s why you have been cut off.

From your inner connection with your higher self or the divine creator you believe in, the dark night of the soul can be a test of your beliefs, as well as your psychological, emotional and spiritual stamina. 

So as you can see, there is no single definition of the dark night of the Soul, as it is a phrase that has been used in different ways by various people throughout history.

A DNOS experience can mean different things to different people; in this blog, my central focus will be on what the dark night of the soul means as part of your spiritual awakening journey.

However, one common theme among all definitions is that this period can be extremely difficult and painful. 

 

Some common examples of how people enter the DNOS period include a death, the break-up of a marriage, or the diagnosis of a life-threatening illness.

 

Although this experience may be unique to each individual, there are some things that everyone might experience during their dark night of the Soul. 

 

These include feelings of despair and hopelessness; feeling like you have lost touch with reality, yourself, your higher power, friends, family, and lover….; experiencing intense anger and resentment; feeling like you are cursed or destined for failure; and extreme sadness or grief.

 

All in all, the dark night of the soul can be an excruciating, scary and challenging period in your life; If you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms, this may indicate you are undergoing a DNOS

Summary of some of the common feelings people say they experience when during their dark night of a soul.

These episodes can be highly traumatic and cause significant shifts in mood and conduct.

– Feelings of being unable to cope with daily tasks

-not being able to feel pleasure even from your favourite things or people

 -having the urge to destroy yourself

– Feelings of deep sorrow, discontent , inadequacy or rage

– Hallucinations or delusions

-thinking you need professional help because you’re losing it

-feeling a deep sense of dread without really knowing why

– question your self-worth or existence -a state of feeling lost

-lacking will power, focus, self-restraint, love, forgiveness and feeling vulnerable 

-a sense of non-belonging like your friends, family, home, feeling like your  life is not your own

– believing you should be somewhere else

– even if your normally have strong faith and optimistic you can feel a deep sense of gloom

– a strong feeling like things will never get better so there’s no point in trying

 

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Confused world

Let’s face it life can be really hard; we can all get to a stage, especially in today’s information-saturated world, where we handle enough and get confused about what and who we should believe in.

 

With all the talk of fake news and deep fakes, without jumping into talking about conspiracy theories, this world can be a perplexing space with its many views on existence.

 

From Darwin’s theory of evolution to one of a plateau of gods being the reason for our existence, why is the world so fall of pain? Many of us come to ask at one stage of our lives or another.

 

We all go through the pain of break-ups, the death of a loved one, and the threat of environmental and political disasters daily. 

 

There is no “right” or “wrong” answer regarding opinions because everyone has a unique perspective and experience.

Testing the waters

What works for one person may not work for another, and there is no guarantee that your chosen path will be satisfying or beneficial.

In fact, it’s challenging to determine which path is correct based on the information available.

 

So why do we bother trying to find a path at all? If we have to keep going through these dark nights of the souls

 

Because without direction or purpose, our journey becomes an endless cycle of frustration and despair.

 

And eventually, we realise that there is simply nothing worth wanting in life if it costs you your overall sanity and well-being, even your own egotistical desires.

The connection between a Spiritual awakening and the dark night of the Soul

There are many ways that Spiritual Awakenings can happen but below are the common ones 

Spiritual awakenings can occur in many ways, but the main ones are because of an inner calling, attending a spiritual organisation or spontaneously.

Spontaneous awakenings arrive in many ways: a terminal diagnosis, old age, a near-death experience, a physical accident, the loss of a loved one, a romantic break-up, the destruction of your home or homeland, suicidal depression, or the complete loss of your religious faith. 

Spiritual awakenings can change your life for the better or worse. It is crucial to weigh the pros and cons of any spiritual awakening before making any decisions about it. 

Another main way a spiritual awakening can occur is through the sage teachings of a spiritual teacher. A spiritual teacher is someone who has been enlightened or had an experience that allows them to teach others about spirituality. 

If you are searching for wisdom, it is vital to find a teacher who believes in and practices authentic spirituality. 

It would be best if the teachers you seek out are from different traditions and have diverse backgrounds so that they can offer you insight into various aspects of your religion or self-exploration.

Some people experience an awakening by spending time with a spiritually mature person. 

A spiritually mature person is someone who has been through a lot of growth in their life and has come to understand themselves and the world around them. 

They are able to connect with their spiritual side as well as their materialistic side. 

This allows them to see the world from a more balanced perspective, which can lead to an awakening experience.

Another way a Spiritual Awakening can occur is through attraction. If you are drawn to spiritually mature people or teachings, this may be a sign that your Soul is ready for an awakening. 

Similarly, if you find yourself attracted to spiritual practices such as meditation or contemplation, this could indicate that your Soul is ready for an awakening experience. 

The final way you may experience a spiritual awakening that I will mention is through life experience.

Every person experiences different things during their lifetime, which can spark an awakening if they are open to it. 

For example, you may become open to a Spiritual Awakening simply because you get fed up- bored with your life or because of a relationship breakdown.

Similarly, if you experience something unusual or inexplicable during your life, such as a mystical encounter or an unexplainable occurrence, this can also lead to an awakening.

All of these factors can contribute to an Awakening experience, but it is ultimately up to you whether or not you choose to pursue one. 

Some people find that they don’t need any outside help to have a Spiritual Awakening; others may feel drawn towards seeking guidance from spiritually mature individuals or teachings. 

Ultimately, the choice is yours, and there is no wrong way to go about it.

In this blog post, we will talk extensively about the effects of going through a spiritual awakening due to a dark night of the Soul, taking an in-depth look at the 20 signs and experiences.

 

You will have while starting or continuing your spiritual awakening journey, which typically creates many dark nights for your Soul.

what is the dark night of the Soul

THE DARK NIGHT OF THE SOUL IN MORE DEPTH

When we go through the dark Night of the Soul, we commonly experience questioning and requesting. It can sometimes feel like torment as we reach a point of utter emptiness. 

However, even though we may have lost our way temporarily, there is still a sliver of hope that if we continue to walk the awakening path will ultimately lead us to a profoundly joyful purpose. 

To escape the cycle of questioning and requestioning, it is essential first to recognise when it’s happening and then try not to respond directly. You will fail many times, no matter what stage of your spiritual journey you are on.

Instead, let go gently into silence or relax into your emotions without trying too hard to figure everything out right away.

Sometimes just allowing ourselves the time to be alone with these thoughts (and feelings) will help them fade away on their own, or the answers will reveal themselves to you in time.

I have been guilty of trying to rush the DNOS process, trying to figure out the reason for any particular episode, but I found that within stillness, all the answers you need to progress are revealed. 

You can be shown the solution via dreams, intuitive insight or just a flash of information, and you will know when it’s time to take action.

Remember, you don’t need to know everything, and although we seek meaning and find it at times, they may not be a point to all of this; all of us here on this spinning planet, but like the tv show, lost.

Maybe the point is the journey itself, the people we meet, the things that authentically make us happy and the parts of us that are slowly revealed to us as we go through our dark night of the Soul.

The dark night of the Soul and purpose

Many spiritual teachers and social commentators have stated that suffering is integral to life because it forces us to face reality and our limitations. 

When we experience pain, it opens our eyes to the fact that what we think is impossible may be possible. 

We learn to trust ourselves and our capabilities more than ever before. 

Suffering also teaches us how to deal with difficult situations and find compassion for others. In short, suffering is a powerful tool that can help you grow into your best self , by reaching your highest potential and finding your purpose.

Nevertheless going through suffering can be deeply harrowing, this deep sense of melancholy, which sometimes borders on despair- downheartedness is usually caused by the conditions in your life or the conflicted state of humanity and the world in general, and You might feel an acute sense of unworthiness.

Because you constantly feel lost or condemned to a life full of misery and hollowness , You can lack interest in things that used to enthuse you; you desire something lost. In general, your mood is one of deep sadness and resignation.

what is the dark night of the Soul
the dark night and the spiritual awakening-process

There are a few potential causes of this depressive feeling:

  1. A recent loss, such as the death of a loved one or a meaningful relationship
  2. Your current situation (for example, you are unemployed and feeling helpless)
  3. The world in general (for example, the current state of political affairs or environmental crisis)
  4. Yourself (a sense that you are not living up to your potential or that you are unworthy of happiness)

This can lead to altered states of consciousness (e.g., suicidal ideas), increased physical discomfort (e.g., insomnia), decreased attention, reckless acts, etc. 

 

While a traumatic event triggers some people’s DNOS, some people experience a dark night of the Soul (DNOS) at the height of their achievements. I will expand on these points later.

Although the Dark Night of the Soul may be commonly used today to refer to various negative experiences, it is actually an ancient and sacred term.

The dark night refers to a time in which we face our deepest fears and challenges. It can be uncomfortable, but it is also a time when we learn most effectively.

Although the original meaning of a DNOS was exclusively used for those who were religious, now the term a dark night of the soul is used to explain those who are going through a real challenging time and lack hope in their ability to go through it.

In our modern world, we count less on organised religion, so as we have all disbursed into our own modes of living, it’s normal to see people experience DNOS outside of religious settings.

Not because, on the whole, we have no faith in a higher power as a collective, its because our understanding of what this higher power is has changed.

However, anyone who has lost someone loved will understand why this period of darkness is so painful and challenging. 

A DNOS is an incredibly tough, emotionally, psychologically, and spiritually exhausting time because you are often forced to confront all the emotions you may have hidden away from. At first, your dark night of the Soul may seem like a bad thing.

There are many benefits to going through a dark night of the Soul (DNOS), filled with a lot of self-exploration and growth. 

For starters, a DNOS can help us better understand ourselves and our emotions. It can also be an incredibly empowering experience that helps us develop deeper relationships with our own thoughts and feelings.

In short, the Dark Night of the Soul is often seen as a positive step forward on the spiritual path. Here are six benefits of a DNOS:

-It will help you better understand yourself: The more accurately we know ourselves, the easier it is to make strong decisions and navigate life’s challenges.

-It will open up new perspectives: During the dark night period, we usually lose touch with our usual ways of thinking and interpreting information. This leads to greater insight into personal matters and wider issues outside our immediate context or experience. 

-It will teach you how to confront your fears head-on: When faced with difficult questions or situations that scare us (or which we perceive as threatening), most people tend not to tackle them directly but rather shy away from them altogether. Through facing fear, anger, and resentment directly, during this phase, you learn how To conquer fear once and for all!

-The dark night of the Soul offers tremendous opportunity for Spiritual Growth: A big part of learning anything involves risk -taking chances even if they might initially feel risky. 

-In the dark night of the Soul, we put ourselves through an experience of intense self-reflection and vulnerability to gain insight and knowledge that will help us on our spiritual journey.

 -The dark night of the Soul is the perfect time to practice patience and forgiveness: overcoming fear, facing our weaknesses and undergoing self-examination can take time. 

When we’re patient with ourselves, we open up the possibility of achieving great things. And when we have empathy for others -whether they are friends or strangers- it’s much easier to forgive them for their shortcomings.

So there you have it! Six good reasons you should go through The Dark Night Of The Soul.

As already mentioned, a lot of people’s spiritual awakening journey starts or changes direction because of a dark night of the soul experience.

A dark night of the Soul ( DNOS) is a universal phenomenon many of us go through at some stage in our lives, whether we cope with it in one way or another.

At times many of us spend years, if not our whole lifetimes trying to run or numb ourselves from the calling to let go eventually and 

move on to a higher way of being in the world.

 

The dark night of the Soul is harrowing, it is painful, there’s no escaping that, but as with all things on earth, there is typically a paradox or deeper meaning concealed somewhere.

 

And it’s the same with the dark night of the Soul, reminding us that sometimes we have to enter the pain to end the suffering and see the best in ourselves and the world.

 

Notwithstanding our best efforts to make it go away, the vibration of the dark night of the Soul lingers as we struggle to find joy in the things and people we used to find endless amounts of happiness with.

 

You can no longer shut out the calling by staying in your comfort zone, although you may try, and this is why some people drink more alcohol or take drugs, to avoid listening to their inner self calling to transform.

 

Let’s face it change and confronting your demons are hard work, all that doom and gloom that’s involved

 

Nevertheless, the dark night of the Soul is essential to personal development, even if it may be challenging and painful.

the dark night and the spiritual awakening-process

The Dark Night of the Soul typically put you through tremendous spiritual turmoil. You may feel empty and lost as if you have lost your Soul or are on a dark journey towards death. 

 

The Dark Night of the Soul can be a period of great spiritual darkness. It can be a trying time, full of bewilderment and despair. Those who go through it feel completely detached from themselves, the higher power, nature, and all else around them. 

 

It can be a completely emotional and psychologically numbing experience; they may experience extreme loneliness and feelings of estrangement from society. 

 

In fact, some say that some anxiety and depression symptoms can be a result of a dark night of the Soul. 


There is no one answer to the question of when or how often the Dark Night of the Soul will happen to a given individual. 

 

It all depends on various factors, including personal history and spiritual development. 

 

Many religious and other scholars have drawn upon metaphors from various parts of life when describing this period of darkness. 

 

Some say that during the Dark Nights, we are like sailors who have been cast adrift at sea with no bearings in sight. 

 

Other sources liken us to soldiers stranded on a battlefield without armour or weapons. In any case, all these commentators agree that there is a deep sense of despair and isolationism during The Dark Night.

 

Some people believe that experiencing The Dark Night can release blockages within our physical and/or etheric bodies which were preventing us from progressing along our spiritual path. 

 

Others believe that undergoing this problematic process can help us resolve old conflicts and shortcomings so that we can move forward more constructively in our future plans.

a dark night of the soul and the discovery of meaning

Question of Faith

You may feel that they have lost all hope and that their connection with God or any greater power has completely vanished during a dark night of the Soul.

They may experience feelings of guilt, self-pity, and despair. 

In some cases, people going through a spiritual dark night of the Soul period can also experience hallucinations or delusions. 

Although it can be tricky, there is light at the end of the tunnel. 

After some time has passed and the person has recovered from their dark night of the Soul, they may find that they have gained an increased insight into themselves and their spiritual journey. 

They may also develop more compassion for others who are going through similar struggles and a greater understanding of what it means to truly live life to its fullest.

Through the roof, underground

Although a dark night of the Soul can be very difficult, it is essential to any spiritual journey. People can gain greater insight into themselves and their relationship with God or any higher power by going through and recovering from it.

Many people find solace in spiritual ideas during this time, while others seek relief in spiritual philosophy or psychology. Others find comfort in addiction and mind-numbing external activities such as drinking alcohol or gambling.

No matter how we deal with the darkness inside us, it is essential to our development as human beings. 

We must face up to its challenges and explore its depths if we want to reach our full potential as individuals!

a dark night of the soul and the discovery of meaning

How to Cope with the Dark Night of The Soul

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to coping with the dark night of the Soul, as this journey will be unique for each individual. However, some tips that may help include:

 

  1. Focusing on your own spiritual development is essential in coping with the darkness and feeling lost during a dark night of the Soul. Journaling or exploring spiritual concepts on your own can be helpful, rather than relying purely on external sources such as books or religion. 

 

  1. Finding support – If you struggle a lot during your dark night, it can be beneficial to seek help from family or friends. They may be able to provide moral and emotional support, as well as offer guidance on how to cope with the darkness. 

 

But this may not be feasible for everyone because people who have not experienced a dark night of the Soul may not know how to handle it or may think you are acting irrationally or otherwise. 

 

  1. Exploring external activities – Doing enjoyable or distracting things can help take your mind off spiritual matters for a while. This could include spending time with loved ones, going for walks outdoors, playing video games or listening to music. 

 

  1. Finding solace in spirituality – As mentioned earlier, many people find comfort in exploring spirituality. This could involve reading religious texts, praying or engaging in meditation. Finding something that helps you feel connected to the greater cosmic order is essential, whatever route you choose. 

 

  1. Taking time for yourself – Finding the energy or resources necessary to continue can be difficult when you struggle during your dark night. It is often helpful to take some time for yourself each day, whether alone in nature or reading a book, which may help restore balance and resilience within you. 

 

  1. Seeking professional help – If the darkness is becoming overwhelming and there are no signs of improvement on your own, it may be worthwhile to seek professional help. If you’re struggling through your dark night, a therapist or counsellor may be able to help you through it.

 

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to overcoming a dark night; the best way to cope will vary depending on the individual. 

 

However, following some of the advice listed above can help you start feeling better quickly and manage your darkness more effectively. If you are struggling with your spiritual development, it is vital to seek professional help. 

 

  1. Finding community – Finding support from others who are also struggling is one suitable support mechanism to seek out as you go through your dark night(s) of the Soul. Joining a spiritual organisation or reading darkness-related material online might be examples of this. 

 

You may increase your morale and resilience by surrounding yourself with happy people as you overcome your difficulties. 

 

But remember you are responsible for your own journey, and you should always seek interdependency within yourself and your relationships, avoiding co-dependency.

Walking in the shadows

A true dark night of the Soul changes you forever, it is not a badge of honour, and you may keep on going through dark nights of the Soul all your life.

Because just like the seasons, our life situations change, and people come and go, although some people wear an experience of a DNOS as an award and expect praise for going through it.

This is a sure sign that they are still in the ego-driven mentality of viewing spirituality which we all fall into.

Yet, it is vital to know all stages of spiritual development are necessary and equal, regardless of how advanced or non-advanced someone may be.

A dark night of a soul isn’t something that needs to be fixed; it needs to be lived; there are many layers to the human shadow and the dark night of the Soul is just one aspect. Read more about shadow work here

It is necessary to remember that they are various stages that can be and should be experienced during your dark night of the Soul. 

Which you must experience to fully comprehend your light and dark sides and the strengths and weaknesses they create.

Training yourself to constructively balance your yin and yang (feminine and masculine) sides so you can express your authentic self.

dark night of the soul-20-to-signs-meaning-indepth-guide
dark night of the soul-20-to-signs-meaning-indepth-guide

What is yin and yang – masculine and feminine energy?

There are many myths and stereotypes about male and female energy, but the truth is that they are both essential to our well-being. 

Masculine and feminine energies play an essential role in every aspect of our lives – from relationships to work productivity to overall health. 

When these energies are out of balance, we experience a number of negative consequences.

For example, when masculine energy dominates, it can lead to overconfidence and arrogance. 

This type of energy is focused on achieving objectives through logical reasoning alone, without considering other factors such as intuition or Receiving/ surrendering. 

These types of people may struggle with relationships because they’re not sensitive enough to understand others’ feelings or needs. 

They also tend to be more competitive and domineering than those who express their feminine energy more.

On the other hand, when feminine energy dominates, it can result in passive behaviour, poor self-esteem, and difficulties relating emotionally. 

These individuals tend to be more intuitive than men with masculine energy. They may have difficulty expressing themselves verbally due to their lack of logic, which can impair communication skills at work or in personal relationships.

In order for both masculine AND feminine energies to function optimally, it’s vital for them to be balanced and integrated into each individual’s life”.

Are the dark night of the Soul and depression the same things?

Because they can be similar, a dark night of the Soul and depression are frequently confused. People who have depression may feel like life is not worth living, feel imprisoned in their own thoughts, and experience a loss of interest in life.

Both involve feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and helplessness. If you believe one is causing the other, there are a few key distinctions to consider. 

The severity and persistence of symptoms are the crucial distinctions between depression and a Dark Night of the Soul.

While mild or moderate depression symptoms may exist at first, bipolar depression, for example, can be worse than a dark night of the Soul (DNOS).

There is a big difference between biological or environmental depression and the Dark Night of the Soul’s depression. 

Medical depression is usually concerned with a person’s, personal problems, habits or past experiences. 

In contrast, the Dark Night’s depression is more metaphysical in nature and focuses on more profound questions arising from these issues.

Like what is the meaning of life and why we are all on this planet subjecting each other to wars, famines and other forms of violence and poverty.

Is it depression or a dark night of the soul?

In short

Depression can make someone who is ordinarily upbeat and full of beans energy indifferent to themselves and life. With a dark night of the soul, the individual stays positive in some ways, even though they are hurting. 

Nevertheless, depression and the dark night of the soul can be related, but they are not the same. Depression is a mood disorder characterized by feelings of sadness, discouragement, hopelessness and low self-esteem. 

As explained already extensively, a dark night of the soul refers to a crisis in one’s spiritual life that can cause intense psychological pain. Various things, such as genetics or general psychological vulnerabilities, can cause depression.

Dark nights of the soul are generally triggered by traumatic events like death in the family, addiction, abuse or miscarriage. Feelings of guilt and self-starvation often accompany it.

During the typical depression, individuals become overwhelmed with negative emotions and thoughts, which can lead to feelings of hopelessness, guilt, isolation, or even suicidal thoughts. 

They may also experience decreased motivation, difficulty concentrating, poor sleep, and weight loss. In short, it’s a challenging condition to live in.

The main reason why this type of depression becomes recurrent is that it focuses on negative experiences rather than positive ones 

For example, someone who regularly suffers from typical depressive episodes may focus exclusively on everything that goes wrong in their life instead of looking for opportunities to progress.

This kind of tunnel vision ultimately prevents people from moving forward in their lives.

Depression can be a really tough experience, and it can take a long time to recover.

From my experience, the dark night of the Soul is not a single event, especially if you choose to commit to your spiritual growth; there can be many DNOS as you deepen your spiritual and emotional development.

But after each experience, your life will change for the better in many ways.

Here are five key reasons why:

  1. Your beliefs about yourself and the world will undergo a dramatic transformation. During the depression, you may find that your underlying assumptions about who you are and how things work become severely challenged. As this process unfolds, you may begin to question some of your most cherished beliefs about yourself and life in general. This incredibly enlightening process leads to growth and enlightenment on many levels.
  1. Your values will evolve as well. When you’re depressed, it’s easy to forget or ignore what’s truly important in life, mentally and physically. But when Dark Night of the Soul ends, everything becomes clear again (or at least more so than before). This period of inner exploration leads to an increased understanding of what matters most to you as an individual; these values become even more entrenched within your personality after this journey into self-discovery concludes successfully!
  1. You’ll develop new habits that support positive mental health outcomes. Depression stunts creativity because it dampens cognitive function overall. However, as you start to emerge from the darkness, you’ll find that a new set of habits takes shape. These healthy behaviours tend to include regular keep-fit activities, adequate rest and positive self-talk. In other words, rather than simply enduring depression – which leads only to further decline in mental health – successful treatment focuses on rebuilding broken relationships with oneself and others through positive means!
  1.  You’ll become much more resilient when faced with future challenges. Depression can be debilitating physically and emotionally; however, if you’ve successfully recovered from this dark time, it will enhance your ability to cope with difficult situations. In fact, if you’re able to face your depression head-on and deal with it effectively, you will become a much stronger person in general! 
  1.  You will have gained a new level of insight into yourself. Depression is not simply an emotional condition – it’s also a physical one. As you start to recover, you’ll gain an understanding of your body that you never had before. This new-found knowledge can be incredibly empowering.

What is the meaning of spiritual depression?

A loss of spiritual vitality and joy is referred to as spiritual depression. Experiencing spiritual sadness may mean losing touch with your spiritual or religious path or struggling to find time to research, study or practice what you believe in. 

Feeling like your spiritual life is pointless or a waste of time. Loneliness and feeling isolated from God or others in the faith community. 

Feeling overwhelmed by all you can’t do spiritually, lacking any sense of progress or accomplishment in your spiritual journey. 

Experiencing intrusive thoughts about suicide or dying, where you question whether there’s value in living anymore.

If you have been having these thoughts for a while and have not been able to soothe them, then it may be time to reach out for help, as although we must take personal responsibility for our paths, it’s important to reach out for support too.

Depression vs dark night of the Soul in focus

Nevertheless, I believe all experiences- spiritual depression, depression and the dark night of the soul experience are interchangeable and overlap since they all generate a profound sadness about how your life is not as it should be.

Even though depression and other mental illnesses may be treated with medication and/or therapy. Since biological – genetic, and environmental factors are frequently implicated in psychological illness. 

Although it may influence emotional, psychological, and physical health, a DNOS is typically not the core reason for depression or a direct result of psychological or emotional illnesses.

While it may be essential to seek assistance and not go through a DNOS on your own, there may be times when you are pushed to do so because of life circumstances.

You must also research how you can balance your emotional, psychological, and spiritual states as you go through your DNOS.

As painful as it may be, we must come to terms with the reality that no one can rescue us from ourselves.  

Only you can do that at this point in your journey; although you can reach out for help, it may be unavailable, and this is why I stress the importance of educating yourself on how to manage yourself in all your moods and shades.

You may begin to feel a growing sense of futility and sadness with the realisation that you ultimately must take personal responsibility for your life and its direction.

However, there are those who still care about us – even if they cannot do anything to help us directly. If these people are willing and available, then they can support you in any way possible.

Yet it is you who must take full personal responsibility to empower yourself

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to managing a DNOS, as everyone’s experience will be unique. 

However, there are a few critical things that all people facing the Dark Night should do to succeed.

Taking personal responsibility

First and foremost, it is essential for people undergoing the dark night of Soul- DNOS  experience to take personal responsibility for their lives. 

This means accepting full ownership of their situation and doing everything possible to manage it on their own terms. 

Second, it’s essential for those experiencing the Dark Night to find meaning in what surrounds them – whether that be relationships or activities outside of work or home life. 

Without purpose or meaning, living becomes incredibly tiresome and daunting. It can also lead individuals into negative thoughts and destructive behaviours out of desperation (think: self-harm or addiction). 

Finding something worth fighting for can be hard when you have lost all semblance of meaning, but despite what you may believe, you are worth fighting for! 

 

Self-care, forgiveness, understanding, and compassion are crucial to getting through your dark night(s) of the Soul.

People believe that if they are experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression, then their mental health is definitely declining. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. 

Like emotions are mental states alerting us to the fact that something is not right and we need to change it, yet we often ignore early signals and often don’t listen to our inner call for transformation and healing until we are on the brink of a breakdown or desperation.

Ever-increasingly, the link between the body and the mind is being realised, and don’t get me wrong, some illnesses are purely biological events.

However, health professionals still agree that practices such as mindfulness and relaxation can help you have better physical health, manage chronic conditions and traumatic experiences like the dark night of the soul

Most people who struggle with mental illness experience an ongoing battle against a feeling of darkness and heaviness and can feel like there’s no way out – like you’re doomed to live in this state forever. 

However, despite the dark clouds hovering over your head, there is light at the end of the tunnel. And it starts by understanding that you are not alone in your struggles – everyone goes through difficult times at some point in their life!

This knowledge will help you to bear witness to your pain rather than become consumed by it.

Which will eventually lead to healing; you may not be able to rid yourself of your anxiety, depression, grief, etc., completely, but going through a dark night of the Soul and learning how to manage your emotional, spiritual, physical and psychological health, can help you balance your overall well-being.

Maintaining hope during a dark night of the soul experience can be complicated, especially when things aren’t going our way. 

But it’s important to remember that these feelings are part of the process – they’re not permanent or representative of who we truly are. 

Dark nights are temporary valleys on the path to greater understanding and growth; they are symbolic events that we must have the patience to understand and heal, one step at a time.

Although you may want to avoid the dark night of the Soul at all costs, in fact, sometimes, they’re exactly what we need for us to grow in ways we never imagined possible.

So how do you deal with a dark night?

The first step is acknowledging that something is wrong, even if everything is falling apart. 



Once you have acknowledged the problem, come up with a plan of action: 

What do I need to do for me to move past this challenge?

This one may be hard to answer, and below, when I talk about the 20 signs and experiences of the dark night of the soul, I go in-depth about management strategies.

Still, when you have an idea of what needs to happen, follow through with those plans as quickly as possible while maintaining balance and perspective. 

And finally…remember there will be future darkness – but no matter how deep or treacherous it may seem, know that eventually, the light will win out again.

Preparing for future DNOS and other traumatic experiences by committing to lifelong management and understanding your emotions and psychological states can help you get through the dark times more compassionately and effectively, no matter how bleak they are.

A DNOS is a period of initiation, and the dark night of the Soul is a form of transition from one stage to the next. As I mentioned, I may repeat this FACT a few more times.

Because many people go into the spiritual awakening process with an end goal, it is essential to realise that because you are continuously becoming more authentic as an individual. 

 

Who take’s time out to solve their problems and get to the root of their spiritual, emotional and psychological issues.

As you commit to your personal growth, you will live life more fully, so you may experience many dark nights throughout your life. 

A deep night of the Soul necessitates a significant expansion in consciousness and ability; this is how you know that one particular episode of DNOS is finished.

Levelling up – by going down

During these times- which can vary significantly in length and intensity- it can be tough to see anything but darkness ahead. 

You may feel lost or abandoned as if all hope has been lost. 

However, following specific guidelines during this time can make it easier for you to progress through this challenging phase and emerge into something new and exciting!

The first step is acknowledging that this is indeed a necessary process happening within you right now. 

Rather than trying to avoid or run away from it (which will only lead to frustration), embrace it wholeheartedly! 

This means being honest with yourself about what’s going on inside. Both good and bad -and allowing those feelings space to surface without judgement or avoidance. 

Once you’ve admitted that things are rough right now (and they probably will be at points), take some time for self-reflection. 

What does understanding your own experiences teach us about ourselves? About our journey as humans? About how we relate to other people? Once you have figured out some answers to these questions, try writing them down.

Start working to develop some new habits or practices that will help you through this dark night:

Regular meditation  – Meditation can be immensely helpful in calming the mind and settling the Soul. It is an effective way to find clarity in turbulent times and often leads to positive changes in mood and outlook.

 

Whether practised formally or informally, it can be a powerful ally during your dark night.

 

Gratitude practice, practising gratitude each day for at least five minutes. 

This simple practice can help shift your focus from negative to positive experiences and can foster a more hopeful outlook in the face of difficulty.

 

Creating healthy boundaries  – Just as it’s essential to set boundaries with people who are damaging or disruptive, it is equally important to protect yourself from things that will drain your energy and sap your morale. 

 

Put limits on how much you spend online or engage in other forms of entertainment; designate specific times each day for relaxation and rejuvenation; establish clear-cut guidelines for sleep duration etc.

 

Regular exercise Education about our bodies plays a vital role in promoting physical well-being. 

Exercise can be an excellent way to improve mood and reduce stress, both of which are likely contributors to dark night struggles. Working out also helps us build resilience in the face of future challenges. 

 

Connecting with loved ones  – It’s easy to withdraw into ourselves during dark nights, but staying connected with those who care about us is key to getting through them. 

Make time for chats, calls, and visits; spend time reading or listening to comforting stories; hold each other tight in times of need. 

 

Mindfulness can be a powerful ally in the face of dark night struggles. By learning to focus on your breath and body, you can become more aware of your thoughts and feelings, which can help you better manage stress. 

 

Additionally, mindfulness can help you cultivate a sense of detachment from your struggles, which can allow you to focus on the present and get through difficult times. 

 

You don’t have to go through dark night struggles alone. There are many ways you can support yourself and recover from the trauma more quickly.

 

Feel free to reach out for support if you’re feeling lost or stuck. 

 

Many resources are available, including self-help books, groups led by professionals or trusted friends and family members, and online counselling services.

The esoteric spiritual meaning of the dark night of the Soul

May spiritual teachers have said that happiness is already in us, which seems like a cliché but do you remember how innocent you may have been as a child?

For example, you may have crossed the street, maybe into traffic, and your parent or caregiver had to stop you; often, as children, we don’t see the harm, we have to be taught how to spot it, and it’s a necessity that we are taught how to spot danger.

Because there are many people who do bad things, notice I didn’t say they were many bad people. Life can take us down some very dark paths, granted that some paths are darker than others.

Being able to sense and see danger is crucial for our personal development. We must be able to deal with the bad in the world before we can truly appreciate the good, even within ourselves.

A process must take place before any actual growth or healing can occur. 

For many people, this process has involved going through dark nights of the Soul – periods of misery and emptiness that leave them feeling lost and without hope.

Deprogramming

Let’s face it from birth; most humans are brainwashed to believe that external things will make them happy, whether getting married or getting an education.

 

Finding a career and getting to the top of your profession. Fame, money, popularity, the perfect car, home or children are all pitched as things that can bring you happiness.

 

Still, many get to the top and realise happiness is not a thing; it is a state of mind that is hard to find as most of us fall into apathy and accept things as they are as we live out our lives in our comfort zones.

Life can knock us all down until we are often feel beaten down and give up trying; our youthful enthusiasm leaves our bodies and is replaced with contempt and regret.

 

Many individuals are driven to this state of despair and numbness after realising nothing makes them joyful anymore.

 

They no longer resonate with their old interests, friends, ways of giving or receiving affection, and no product, external philosophy or belief system can make them feel at rest. 

 

Some receive a calling to grow or to serve humanity in some way; throughout history, the people who have left legacies behind are typically the ones who broke from the mould, the crowd, giving up conforming so they could create.

 

Realising that until they start to follow their inner calling and do the lifelong work of understanding, healing, and managing their trauma, finding a purpose to their life built from their own opinions and beliefs.

 

Because they know if they don’t, they continue to feel dull and unfilled on the material, emotional, physical and psychological levels.

 

For many going through a spiritual- higher consciousness- intellectual Awakening, whatever you want to call it, driven by a dark night of a soul experience, is the foundation for a relationship with life that will give you purpose and meaning. 

 

This doesn’t imply your feelings of emptiness and not belonging will disappear, but as you open yourself up to continuous growth and creativity, allowing yourself to follow your inner calling, which is different for us all

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Still, as Joseph Campbell said, we all should follow our bliss.

Even if we never gain the material things we want, each person should develop self-love, or at least like or respect, that regardless of what’s happening externally, they still have a semblance of inner balance and contentment.

 

On the esoteric level, a dark night of the Soul is a call to believe in and live for something bigger than yourself, researching the deeper meanings of life so your new-found knowledge can help you make peace with the harsh realities of life.

It aint all sweetness and light nor a bed of roses

It can be difficult to emerge from a dark night of the Soul without being jaded and disillusioned; after all, you are often confronted with the darkest recesses of yourself and life, which can be really ^&%$ing depressing.

 

We can get bogged down in false hopes and illusions, and our confidence wavers. It’s tempting to slide into pleasure from the sorrow and to identify with our feelings and moods – strange as it may sound.

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This is why self-awareness is important.

Self-awareness is The capacity to concentrate on yourself and how your behaviours, ideas, or feelings match or do not match your ideals.

And it’s a critical practice, which can make sure that you don’t get caught up on thinking you are the thoughts in your mind, at times thoughts play and replay in our mind; these can be negative, and if we live in a state of constant negativity we can begin to see life this way.

The conscious mind is beautiful; it can help us so much, especially with rational problems, yet it can fail to help us with subjective things. 

This is why it’s essential to learn to work with your subconscious mind, yet before we can use your subconscious mind, which is connected to our right-brained- creative spiritual side, effectively.

We have to heal the automatic triggers that often live driven by our automatic thoughts, words and actions resulting from our unresolved emotional, spiritual, psychological and spiritual trauma.

Until we deal with these issues, the subconscious mind is often a product of our emotional triggers, which often cause self-destructive thoughts and behaviours that stunt our personal and relationship growth.

The conscious mind is constantly searching, trying to make sense of the world around it. 

But to do so, it often relies on logic and reason, which are limited and restrictive. 

We need to overcome this limitation by recognising that some things are unexplainable, irrational, and don’t always have a reason, and that’s ok; sometimes, we just need to feel the emotion rather than look for ways to understand it and stop it.

Accepting what is happening right now as it is, without seeking anything else out, ESPECIALLY LOOKING FOR A MEANING OR REASON. 

In fact, by becoming aware of how our thoughts create reality, we can dismantle the barriers that limit us from experiencing life fully and fearless!

Taking in the scenery

Experiencing everything that life offers – beauty and fear alike – creates a unique understanding that can lead to wisdom if you reprogram your subconscious mind and take time to heal and manage yourself.

It’s essential you train yourself to feel these dark emotions without becoming them which can be tricky- way hard, in fact, but with time and dedication, you can achieve it at least 50-70 % of the time.

If you’re finding it hard to move on after a harrowing experience, remember that taking things on isn’t always easy or comfortable. 

But don’t lose your confidence in yourself; keep your courage and inner determination.

And most importantly: remain aware of what’s going on around you – even during dark nights – so that you don’t become trapped by temptation or lost within yourself or the dark thoughts or experiences.

It’s a common misconception to think that we must always hit our spiritual targets to maintain balance and achieve spiritual enlightenment.

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Find the balance

In reality, you don’t need to hit your target every day – but you need all your mental, physical, and spiritual power. If you neglect any of those elements, things can quickly go out of control.

 

For example, if you constantly ignore your mental health while pursuing spiritual or material enlightenment – shunning complex thoughts or memories – these dark thoughts will eventually dominate your mind. 

This can lead to anxiety or depression, which are both soul-crushing experiences. Or if you allow yourself to be physically unhealthy – overeating or not exercising enough –then that too will have a negative impact on your emotional state.

 

By contrast, if you’re maintaining equilibrium by regularly engaging in all three aspects of selfhood (mental/emotional, physical, spiritual), everything tends to work better together overall. 

 

You develop a fondness for life and happiness in the midst of a dark night of the Soul while you are alive instead of feeling conflicted about it.

 

This is because spirituality doesn’t mean you ignore all the conflict, craziness and gloom in our world; Instead, we embrace it!

 

Doing your part to resolve it, the best way each of us can help the world to change is to transform ourselves emotionally, psychologically and spiritually.

Letting the darkness lead you to the light.

There are times when all we can see is darkness. 

We may be feeling overwhelmed, beaten down, and hopeless. But if we allow our feelings to run unchecked, we will only harm ourselves further. 

It’s important to remember that the cure lies in the problem- not in suppressing it or running away from it.

The seeds of your healing are hidden within the symptoms of the ailment, and you must take action and start moving towards a solution by confronting them head-on.

If you ignore or play down the impact of the dark parts of life and yourself because they are painful and discouraging, you may bury the gifts that are contained within, And by doing so,  you will reduce your chances of finding true healing and progression.

Unless you experience darkness, you won’t appreciate a dark night’s beauty and unique qualities. 

Darkness allows us to see things more objectively, which can help us discover new truths about ourselves and our world. It also helps us become more self-aware and understanding. 

When we’re surrounded by darkness, we are forced to imagine a flawless life – one that is devoid of imperfections. 

This makes us question all of our assumptions and values, which can lead to greater insight and enlightenment.

Self-realisation is a deep and fundamental sense of self-awareness that leads to true freedom. It’s not about having strong willpower or being pure and good always.

But instead, it is about realising your potential and owning your ability to create change in yourself and the world by serving others.

When you own and activate this awareness, a strong sense of self arises, and humanitarian tendencies tend to grow as you want to create a better life for all of humankind. Spiritual development is connected to this goal.

You may open up to the fact that although you do experience suffering, all humans alive experience and are a victim of pain in one way or another.

And to solve this global problem, you come to understand that although we are all different, we have this one thing in common.

Mysticism and the dark night of the Soul

Mysticism is often associated with a sense of mystery and detachment from the world. However, this doesn’t have to be the case. 

Mysticism is a fascinating topic that has been around for centuries. It can refer to different things for different people, but in general, it refers to the belief that working to gain union with or absorption into a higher power- the divine- the absolute, or with the spiritual attainment of knowledge.

Which is inaccessible to the intellect but can be gained through contemplation and self-surrender, which is often triggered by a spiritual awakening, mystical awareness can be obtained.

This mystical experience often leads people to develop deep insights about themselves and their place in the world. 

They may also better understand life’s mysteries (including relationships between individuals and groups). 

Mysticism can provide solace during difficult times, and help us connect more deeply with our inner selves.

So what is so special about mysticism?

There are many reasons why mysticism is such an essential part of human existence. First of all, it allows us access to realms of knowledge that are otherwise out of intellectual or logical reach.

 

This might include insights into ourselves (and our potential as humans) that we would not be able to find any other way. 

 

By exploring our spiritual side, we also open up opportunities for growth and transformation mentally and emotionally. 

 

Finally, mysticism provides a sense of peace and comfort during challenging times – no matter how bad they might seem at first glance!

 

So you can see that  mysticism can be used as a tool for social change

When we experience mystical truths or understandings, they transform our perspective on the world. 

 

This change in perspective leads us to act consciously and compassionately towards others, even in difficult situations. Additionally, it motivates us to fight for justice and seek out solutions to global problems.

 

The power of mysticism lies not just within its teachings but also in how we apply them- through meditation and prayer, for example. 

 

When practised consistently over time, these practices can lead you down a path of inner peace and understanding that benefits both your spiritual development and your work on behalf of society at large!

Service

The reality is that your darkness transforms when you begin to serve the world. It does not go away altogether, part of it always lingers, and sometimes it’s more intense than others. 

But, your private gloom turns into wrath at injustice, which is then transformed into compassionate vision and effective action. 

Your plans to make humanity better accept the suffering it is now in, seeing it will take time to heal the world’s pain effectively; sure, we can take shortcuts, but they will always lead us back to the world we see today. 

To improve ourselves and the world, we must deal with each problem step by step and rebuild brick by brick.

When darkness and vision flow together, it means that your anger is turned into an effective force for good. 

You become a powerful advocate for change, stand up against injustice, and fight to improve the world. 

You are not afraid to go against the grain or to take on tough challenges. You know that sometimes darkness is necessary for the light to shine.

Darkness and vision do not always work together harmoniously, but when they do, they can be a powerful force for good. 

When you embrace your darkness and use it as a tool for change, you can make a real difference in the world.

Detachment and the dark night of the Soul

Sometimes a dark night of the Soul is triggered when you lose something; a relationship breakdown can be a reason why many experiences a dark night of the Soul.

The reason why is that getting too attached often leads to suffering. When we attach ourselves emotionally or mentally to something – whether good or bad – we become vulnerable to its fluctuations. 

This can lead us into cycles of feeling hurt (due to “unforgiveness”), frustrated (“why won’t they listen?”), anxious (“what if I’m doing everything wrong?”), depressed (because there’s nowhere out?), etcetera. In short: attachment = suffering = darkness = less light on target/higher chance for failure…etcetera ad nauseam!

When we detach from things (or people), however – even when they’re causing us pain or difficulty – we open up space for fresh perspectives and new possibilities that might help us resolve our issues more effectively. 

Detachment isn’t always easy (!); after all, detachment means setting someone or something down inside ourselves where their energy still has an impact on us.

But doesn’t constantly pull at our heartstrings like trying desperately to hold onto a marble sculpture…that is sinking in an ocean; sooner or later, we will have to let go or risk drowning ourselves.

Ultimately, a dark night of the Soul and the spiritual- higher consciousness objectivity in brings is worth it because detachment leads to greater compassion, understanding and love. 

So how do you implement detachment into your life? Well, one way is to practice mindfulness.

Mindfulness (or “consciousness-focused awareness”) is the practice of paying attention in a relaxed, open and non-judgmental way to what’s happening inside and around us. 

When we’re mindful, our tendency towards attachment diminishes because we’re no longer focusing on whatever it is that’s causing us stress or pain – instead, we are just present with the experience without reactivity. 

Another simple technique for detachment may be simply acknowledging when emotions start to arise in response to something we’re attaching to and then simply observing the intensity of those emotions without getting lost in them. 

In other words, letting go takes practice, but it can be incredibly helpful when applied correctly! 

So, to sum it all up: detachment is a critical component of mindfulness and can be practised in different ways. 

It’s important to remember that detachment doesn’t mean abandoning our emotions or feelings – on the contrary. It allows us to better understand and love ourselves as we are now. 

So give detachment a try – you might just find that nights full of darkness become more illuminated with each passing day! 

It can be challenging to manage feelings of sadness and depression in the world. 

Our society often tells us that these negative emotions are bad, and that we should just get over them. But is that really what’s best for us?

Scientists have long known that humans are capable of combining different activities in our lives – even moods – in a way that benefits us. 

This process is called cognitive flexibility, and it’s something we use all the time when making decisions. For example, you may recognise your darkness (i.e., feeling sad or depressed), but still decide to go ahead with your plan for a better life because you believe it will help achieve your vision for humanity. 

This type of thinking is called motivated reasoning, and it allows us to see the positive side of situations even when they don’t feel good at first glance.

When you’re depressed, your cognitive flexibility may be impaired. 

It can be harder for you to see the silver lining in situations or make decisions that will benefit you. 

It’s important to remember that there is always something positive to take from a difficult experience – even if it doesn’t feel like it at the time. 

You may not see all of the good things right away, but they’ll start showing up again over time.

What is dark night of the soul symptoms?

The 20 main symptoms and changes in behaviour and thoughts that show you are going or have been through a dark night of the Soul period

1. You just don’t get pleasure from the things or people that used to make you feel oh so good anymore

As you go through a dark night of the Soul, it can be difficult to feel joy, and external factors that used to make you happy no longer do so.

You may start to realise your fullness by doing things rather than relying on external things alone. 

This is when you must rely on yourself and trust your own wisdom and abilities. It’s also a time when growth will occur because you are facing reality head-on instead of trying to run from it or hide from it.

2. Eating, drinking or doing the things you typically did brings feelings of physical sickness or psychological repulsion

There’s a good chance that you enter a detoxification process when you enter the dark night of the Soul, which is common during times of stress or change. 

You can have a strong feeling to cleanse to protect yourself on the mind, body, and soul levels; you still won’t always know why you feel like this or where these urges come from.

This might include eliminating toxins from your system, improving your immune system, and reducing inflammation. 

Cleansing can also help clear the mind and emotions of negative thoughts and feelings. It allows you to focus on more positive aspects of life, opening yourself up to new opportunities and possibilities. 

While this process is often uncomfortable at first (and sometimes impossible), it can be gratifying in the long run. 

By following these tips for detoxifying under stressful conditions, you can make sure that the journey is as fruitful as possible

Avoid or limit caffeine, alcohol and other stimulants

This is a no-brainer, but it’s worth noting nonetheless. Caffeine and alcohol have adverse effects on the body’s ability to detoxify properly, so avoiding them will help speed up the process. 

In fact, some studies suggest that abstaining from these drinks for even just one week can improve your health significantly! 

Get plenty of rest.

It might sound obvious, but going without sleep can actually impair your body’s ability to detoxify correctly. When you’re tired, you are less able to fight off toxins and remove waste from your system. Make sure to get a good night’s sleep every night, and allow yourself time to rest during the day as well.

Avoid processed foods and eat more organic food.

Processed foods are often full of unhealthy additives and preservatives, which can make detoxification harder for the body. Opt for whole foods instead, where you’ll get vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other nutrients that can help support your health in general. 

Try natural supplements like herbs or juices.

Many people find that taking supplements such as herbs or juice aids in their detox journey by providing various health benefits. Check with your doctor before starting any detox supplements, however, as some can be dangerous if taken in high doses or for an extended period of time.

3.You stop people pleasing and care less about what others think or do

Competing with others can be a way of trying to win their favour. However, this approach often leads to shallow relationships where individuals only care about what the other person has to offer them. In contrast, deep connections are based on shared interests and goals, which creates a more authentic relationship. 

If you follow the latest trends and celebrity columns and shows, you may find yourself becoming less interested in keeping up with the joneses or the K’s.

You will find yourself drifting from inauthentic relationships to more wholesome and Soul based ones.

Fake friendships will always be unfilling, and like something is missing because their not built on anything genuine, the connection becomes meaningless because it is based on illusion.

4. You rethink your opinions, beliefs and way of life

You may begin to realise that your life is not your own, and you have been trying to live up to the expectations of who you have been told you need to become.

By the media, organisations, peers and family, you may decide to exit the rat race and the dog-eat-dog mentality that plagues our modern western culture.

It can be hard to let go of our dreams and expectations of a luxurious life, especially when society tells us we need it to succeed. 

But as you start to pay attention to the fickleness of fame and celebrity, coming to see how many of those with fame, money and popularity still suffer.

Seeing that the things society promised you would bring you happiness do not, like the cars, possessions, night clubbing, socialising, hookups, endless swiping etc., you come to see them as the false promises they are.

You realise that you don’t want any of it, and you have been hoping that doing or owning these things will ease some doubt or insecurity about your own worthlessness.

The truth is, no one really knows what success looks like or how long it will last. So instead of chasing after something that may never materialise, why not focus on enjoying the moment?

Living simply with joy and gratitude for all we do has shown me more happiness than any amount of money could ever bring me. And I know this is true for most, sure money is part of happiness as it brings us freedom.

Still, it can imprison us if we don’t free our minds and find happiness and stability within us first.

When you start to feel lost, it’s usually because you aren’t following your plan. Start by taking some time for yourself and creating a list of what you need to do to reach your goals.

 Once you have a solid idea of what needs to be done, create an action plan outlining the necessary steps. 

Don’t forget to prioritise these tasks and make sure they are all within your capabilities – if one task is too difficult or takes too much time, skip it! 

Follow through with your plan as soon as possible, and don’t get discouraged when things go wrong along the way – mistakes are part of the learning process. Eventually, if you stick with it, everything will come together and lead you down the path towards success

5. You start reconnecting with your inner child, learning to play with it and your sense of wonder

Childhood is a time of innocence and exploration. It’s when you learn how to be yourself, and it’s also the time when you start to form your own opinions and values.

Many adults lose this sense of playfulness over time, as they grow up and transition into adulthood. 

But there is no need to feel guilty or ashamed – it’s perfectly natural for children to go through this process. In fact, it’s one of the reasons why childhood memories are so special.

By reconnecting with your inner child, you are finally allowing yourself to enjoy life again – both big moments (like starting a new job) and small things (like making silly faces in the mirror). 

This joyous attitude will attract positive energy into your life, setting the tone for an overall happy future. 

So don’t be afraid to experiment a little bit; maybe playfully challenging yourself will lead you back to activities that once made you so happy!

Reconnecting with that subconscious aspect of yourself to experience childish happiness and address the conditioning we acquired as children when we talk about “inner child work.

This work can be done in a variety of ways, but it often starts with setting aside time every day to simply relax and enjoy yourself.

During this self-care time, you can do things that make you happy (even if they’re small!), write down your thoughts or emotions from the day, take a nap, read an old favourite book, or listen to music that makes you feel good. 

All of these activities allow your subconscious to surface some childhood memories and insights that might help alleviate negative feelings or addictions. Inner child work can be a powerful tool for recovering from addictions and building healthy self-esteem.

It allows you to connect with your feelings and see yourself more positively, which can help you break free from unhealthy behaviours. 

Additionally, it’s important to note that this type of work is not about fixing or changing who you are; rather, it’s about exploring the parts of yourself that have been neglected or ignored.

If done correctly, inner child work can provide relief and healing during a challenging time. 

There is no one right way to do inner child work, as each person’s needs will vary. However, some common techniques include journaling, spending time in nature or listening to music that makes you feel happy.

6. you start remembering things you may have buried or forgotten

There is a reason why some people describe flashbacks as a memory in the present. 

These memories are stored in your subconscious mind, and when they resurface, it’s like you’re reliving the experience all over again.

If you’re experiencing flashbacks, memories, and sensations connected to past experiences, it’s likely that you’ve been suppressing them for some reason. While these memories may be difficult to deal with, releasing them is ultimately beneficial.

By opening yourself up to the energy associated with these events, you can begin to heal the wounds they have caused.

A flashback -is a memory from your past that causes an intense feeling or emotion in your present. 

 

A memory is -The recollections of a specific event or period in your life stored in your subconscious mind. 

 

Suppression-The act of preventing something from entering consciousness or becoming aware of itself. 

 

Suppressing feelings can lead to pain and difficulties in dealing with them.

By opening yourself up to the energy associated with these events, you can begin healing the wounds they have caused. 

 

If you are experiencing flashbacks, memories, or sensations connected to past experiences and they are causing significant distress, it is crucial that you seek out professional help.

 

Like a therapist who can offer guidance and support as you work through these complicated feelings.

7. you realise that a lot of the world’s problems come from the fact that we are all trying to be what and who the world, our cultures, natures and peers tell us to be instead of being who we are. Loss in personas and cognitive dissonance as we pick up more addictions daily to try and avoid the inner void.

Do you recall when your parents advised you to act while visiting a relative? Or the time you were scolded for saying the wrong things, wearing the wrong clothes or hanging with the wrong crowd

These are typical examples of social conditioning; even though they appear to be desirable and appropriate etiquettes being preached to us, they often mould us into automatons seeking approval and disconnect us from our authentic self-expression.

This change can be difficult for many people – they are stuck in neutral, feeling like they don’t belong anywhere. They’re living their lives on automatic pilot and aren’t really engaged in anything. 

 

This lack of connection leads to several problems: boredom and stagnation, low energy levels and feelings of detachment from reality, reduced mental clarity and creativity…the list goes on!

 

Luckily, there is hope for those who want to reconnect with their true selves and find joy again. 

 

The first step is recognising that something needs to change; you need to take responsibility for your own happiness instead of waiting for things to happen miraculously or thinking that everything will work out if you just stay positive enough. 

 

Then comes the hard part – making decisions based on what’s truly important to you rather than society’s expectations or what others might say about it. 

 

It may seem daunting at first, but once you begin taking these steps into self-discovery, everything else will fall into place naturally (hopefully).

 

Social conditioning refers to the process of learning and relearning how to behave, usually through positive or negative feedback from others.

 

 It typically occurs in an environment where there is some kind of power imbalance between the individual and their instructor/reinforcement figure(s). 

 

This can occur at home, school, or in social interactions. Social conditioning aims to instil desirable behaviours into a person so they can lead a productive and satisfying life. 

 

Though social conditioning can be a helpful tool for controlling our behaviour, it can also have negative consequences. 

 

For example, when we are reprimanded for crying in the shop, we may feel embarrassed and ashamed. 

 

This type of feedback may lead us to avoid situations where crying might occur in the future. 

 

Similarly, when parents or other adults give us positive reinforcement for behaving in specific ways (such as by praising us), this can create a sense of entitlement and make it harder to follow instructions that conflict with our desired behaviours.

 

As a result, social conditioning can often have unintended consequences that undermine our ability to achieve our goals.

8. you get more in touch with your spiritual side and seek out mystical philosophies to help you live a better life, such as the practice of zen meditation

You rediscover your spiritual roots. When you go through a spiritual awakening, it is likely that you will start to reconnect with your spiritual side. 

This can be very rewarding as it allows you to find comfort and connection in an otherwise unfamiliar world.

 It’s also possible that this reconnection will lead to new discoveries about your religious or philosophical beliefs, which can deepen your understanding of the universe and yourself

You grow more attuned to the feeling or perception or opinion that there is something bigger than yourself, something greater than sensory and material experiences, and that the larger whole of which we are a part is cosmic or divine in nature is what spirituality entails.

Spirituality means different things to different people and may or may not involve belief in a god or gods. 

Some people might see spirituality as a way of developing inner peace and happiness. In contrast, others may see it as a means of connecting with nature or other aspects of life beyond the physical world.

In general, spirituality involves a deep connection with something greater than oneself. It can be found in all walks of life and can be experienced in various ways.

You may decide to meditate in various forms: vipassana, yoga, mindfulness, and transcendental.

But regardless of whatever meditation method you choose or spiritual path you walk, all will either have the following as their core philosophy or include elements of Zen.

Zen means “meditation,” and Zen teaches that enlightenment is attained via the profound discovery that one is already an enlightened person. 

This insight is obtained by focusing on the present moment and detachment from worldly worries.

There are many different branches of Zen, but most emphasise meditation and contemplation. 

The practice of Zen can address any issue or problem you may be experiencing in your life, as it allows you to focus on the task at hand without getting lost in your thoughts. 

There is no one right way to practice zen, as the methodology depends on what works best for you. 

However, some basic guidelines include spending time each day in solitude or meditation and practising “empty-heading” techniques.

 

Such as counting breaths and focusing on an object or mantra that may have no meaning to you outside of your zen practice. Plus acknowledging your thoughts and feelings without judging them. 

Zen has been practised for centuries, and there is evidence that it originated in China. 

It was first combined with Taoism, which taught that everything in the universe is connected and that nothing can be truly destroyed. 

This led to the development of zen Buddhism as a method for exploring this connection between all things. 

Zen teachings emphasise detachment from worldly concerns, which helps you focus on the present moment without getting bogged down by your thoughts or emotions. 

Despite the many variations of Zen, some basic tenets remain constant across all branches. That you can use to build your own unique Zen or mindfulness meditation

These include:

1) Focusing on the present moment

2) Recognising and accepting your own thoughts and feelings without judging them

3) Seeking to live in harmony with nature and the surrounding environs 

4) Practicing meditation and solitude to focus on the present moment

5) cultivates a sense of calm and tranquillity

6) Encourages people to live a simple, modest lifestyle 

7) Believes in the power of spirituality to improve one’s life

Zen is a form of practised/spiritual Daoism.

9. We realise the true meaning of suffering, coming to see that most of the dysfunction in the world is created by inequality and the unethical actions that living in poverty and pain drive people to.

When you first began understanding genuine pain, you probably felt a bit overwhelmed. 

Anyone who has struggled with genuine pain knows how devastating it can be at first. 

It’s like you are walking on a tightrope, and every step feels like it could be your last. 

But don’t worry – you will learn to walk the tightrope unsteadily but securely with time and patience. 

When we first start to empathise with our own and others’ suffering, our emotions are typically mixed. 

Some parts of us feel sad or compassionate for the individual in pain; others may feel angry or frustrated because we see ourselves in that person’s position. 

Over time, however, your capacity to empathise develops; we start to see the people behind the sensationalised headlines.

Such as a crack addict who robs a drug store. Instead of seeing them as the scum of the earth and we see the child who was neglected; sure, not all children who have bad childhoods turn to drugs. Still, many do.

You may become aware that not all immigrants want to abuse a country’s welfare system. 

Some just want a decent night’s sleep without the fear of being killed due to ongoing conflicts in their country, or they wish to express themselves sexually in a way that is restricted in their own country.

You may realise that the world would be better if we all had equal rights and justice and if the understanding, healing, management and protection of our psychological, emotional and spiritual health were a top priority globally.

As you become more in touch with your own pain as you go through your dark night of the Soul, you begin to see the truth because acknowledging and being in touch with your own suffering.

It engenders a profound respect for reality, including your own pain, which is one of the essential advantages of allowing yourself to engage with your dark night of the soul periods entirely.

The feeling of pleasure links us to limitless horizons, but the feeling of sorrow connects us to our limitations.

Suffering makes us humble and teaches us that there is much we do not know. 

Suffering is also essential because it gives us a mirror through which to see our behaviour. 

When we suffer, we must face the question of why our situation has turned out this way. If we can answer that question honestly, then maybe we can learn from our mistakes and improve ourselves.

Finally, suffering provides a context for growth and change. It helps us to develop strength inside ourselves and to realise that nothing is written in stone – even the tough times have their opportunities for happiness if we take them.

10. you start seeing and begin to look for and expecting patterns and synchronicities like angel numbers, foretelling or healing dreams, and meeting people on a similar path.

Synchronicities are occurrences of spiritual importance that force us to momentarily refrain from our self-obsession and consider the divine. 

 

Synchronicity can be as simple as seeing a word repeatedly and looking for meaning in that experience. In a more complex example, it can mean having a meaningful dream about an old friend and then seeing them the next day.

 

You may be more prone to them as you go through your many dark nights of the soul.

 

Many people believe that synchronicity is simply coincidence or serendipity -luck on your part – things happening because we’re primed to see them, and they happen to fall in line with what we’re thinking or feeling at the time.

 

However, there are also many instances where synchronicity can be seen as a sign from the universe indicating something important is about to occur.

 

When you feel like something strange is happening – when you start noticing patterns in your life that seem unrelated to reality – it’s worth considering the possibility of synesthesia creeping in. 

 

Synesthesia occurs when one sensory type (usually sight) spontaneously triggers another (usually auditory or tactile) sense.

 

So while somebody who experiences regular visualizations of positive outcomes might interpret random words appearing onscreen as confirmation thereof, someone with synesthesia might actually hear those words sounding inside their head!

 

Synchronous events can often serve as markers signalling something significant – whether it’s a message from loved ones’ past or guidance for the future – so pay attention if these occurrences start occurring more frequently than usual!

 

Synchronistic occurrences leave us with a perplexing sense that we should be aware of something beyond our everyday experience.

 

Most often, these experiences come in the form of a seemingly insignificant coincidence that leads us to question our assumptions and take notice of the delicate connections between life and its surrounding environment. 

 

When we allow ourselves to be open to synchronicity, it can offer an unexpected path towards self-discovery.

Here are the top five ways synchronicities may appear to you as you go through your dark night of the soul

  1. You find a message in an unexpected place.
  2. A song pops into your head unexpectedly.
  3. Something you were planning to discard turns out to be of great value. 
  4. You stumble upon an old photo that reveals a hidden story or connection between people you thought had long disappeared from your life or looking at this past photo, video, or another stimulus may provide solutions for your current problems.

5 . You experience sudden inspiration for what you should do next in your life.

 

When we become open to synchronicity, it can lead us down a path of self-discovery. Be sure to explore synchronicities for yourself and see what happens when you allow yourself to be open to the divine. 

11. you may want to be alone more, and it will create time to become more still and aware in your life.

What is stillness, anyway? If a person could develop peace inside themselves, as the Stoics called it, then the whole world would be at peace, and they would “still think well, work well, and be well”. Wrote the Greek thinker Epictetus. 

When you’re still, your mind is in focus, and there’s less noise pollution. 

You can hear your own thoughts more clearly and be more present for what’s happening around you. This makes it easier to connect with yourself and others. It’s a way of living in the present, which is key to happiness. 

There’s also something peaceful and calming about being in nature, especially if you’re surrounded by silence. You can get lost in your thoughts or feel connected to the natural world.

So whether you’re trying to focus on your work or relax after a long day, stillness is a way of achieving inner peace and happiness. Stillness is a practice that can be found in many different spiritual traditions.

For example, Christianity often sees stillness as a way to connect with God. 

Catholics may recite the rosary or pray the chaplet, a form of prayer that involves periods of stillness. 

Buddhists focus on mindfulness and gratitude practices, which help them focus their attention on the present moment and experience peace and happiness. 

There’s no one right way to achieve stillness, but finding a way that works for you is the key. Stillness is a meditative practice that helps you focus your mind and improve mental health. 

Be Still, and know there’s something wonderful about stillness. 

Be at peace with yourself in the moment; when you’re still, your mind is focused, and there’s less noise pollution. 

You can hear your own thoughts more clearly and be more present for what’s happening around you. This makes it easier to connect with yourself and others.

12. You see how wayward the uncontrolled subconscious mind is, and make plans to heal your emotional, psychological and spiritual wounds, so you can think more positively. To yano, mix the nego-negative thoughts up a little.

You will begin to say how your brain has been functioning, finally becoming aware of the racing, nonsensical ideas you had spreading and running like wildfire in your subconscious.

You are aware of how your thoughts and feelings, as well as your brain’s manufacturing of what it prefers to perceive as reality, are influenced by your negative judgments, prejudices, and false beliefs.

You’re also becoming aware of how your mind is constantly fixating on negative thoughts and worries, despite not often resulting in positive outcomes.

This reflects a larger problem with our mindset – we’re too focused on what’s wrong rather than what’s possible.

As you start to become more Conscious, you’ll be better able to identify these patterns and make changes so that your mind operates more effectively and positively. 

Realising that you need to change your perspective in order to improve your life.

It’s easy to get caught up in the negative thoughts and patterns of thinking that have been frustrating you for years. 

But as you become more Conscious, you’ll understand that these habits are not sustainable or helpful.

In fact, they’re actually holding you back from achieving your goals and dreams. 

By becoming more aware of how your mind works, you can start making changes so that your brain is working more positively – which will impact every aspect of your life!

Becoming more conscious of how you think can be daunting, but it’s an essential step on the journey to becoming more aware. 

This is a big step to living a fulfilling and successful life as you journey through your dark nights of the Soul.

13. you start to heal

You are more cheerful and relaxed in your thoughts. You no longer feel defined by your injuries. Life feels like it’s improving. 

You’ve never experienced such a state of happiness before. Your connections are improving as time goes on.

Your financial situation is improving. You are feeling better in every aspect of your health. If you are healing, one of these symptoms may be present in your life. 

It’s vital to recall, however, that recovery takes time, and there will be setbacks.. If you feel like your healing process is not going as planned or you are struggling, please consult with someone who can help you with the root issues of your pain.

These are some of the things you may start to feel or experience as you begin to heal from your current dark night of the soul episode.

  1. accepting that you are healing
  2. forgiving yourself and others
  3. learning to let go of the past
  4. establishing new healthy habits 
  5. finding support groups or meetings for like-minded people. 

 

There are many ways to heal, and finding what works best for you is essential. 

 

When looking for signs that you are healing, remember to keep in mind the following:

 

  1. The process of healing is individualised and may take time. There is no single formula or path to healing. 

 

  1. Healing can involve different stages, including denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. It is essential to be patient with yourself as you journey through these stages. 

 

  1.  Some people find it helpful to work through their emotions by reading self-help books or attending support groups. 

 

  1. Healing is a process, not an event. Healing does not happen overnight; it may take several months or even years to achieve closure and resolution. 

 

  1. Also, healing does not mean you must completely move on from your trauma or experience. Healing means working through the pain and feelings associated with it while retaining some level of consciousness and memories of the event. 

 

It is also vital to remember them in a healthy way – as part of your personal history rather than as a source of pain and sadness.



An important note 

 

You may prefer to work through your dark night of the Soul and the problems it triggers, which is okay.

 

However, some people prefer to speak with a therapist or counsellor; others may choose to read self-help books, practice yoga or meditation, or attend support groups. 

 

Many people find that working through their feelings in a controlled and safe environment helps them address the trauma they have experienced without feeling overwhelmed.

13. you feel more passion, are more open to love and affection and get curious about life

I’ve been appreciating the simplicity of being curious lately as I’ve been on my spiritual journey. 

The spiritual journey is an endlessly fascinating and exciting adventure full of magic and surprises. It’s essential to embrace our innate curiosity so that we can explore this vast world in all its infinite glory.

By being curious, we can see the awe and miracles around us with fresh eyes, and appreciate them more fully. 

This opens up our hearts to love and appreciation, which helps us on our spiritual path.

You rediscover or find your passion for life.

As you continue to awaken, it may become more apparent to you that the primary purpose of your existence is to love and be loved. After all, that’s what we were put here on earth to do! 

 

As you open yourself up more and more, you may find a renewed passion for life – both inside and outside of yourself. 

 

This could include finding new hobbies or getting back into old activities that made you happy in the past. Or it could mean spending time with people who make you feel truly alive – whether they’re family, friends, lover(s) or co-workers.

14. you may awaken to innate spiritual healing and other clairvoyant abilities as you move through your dark night of the soul

Most individuals who experience spiritual awakenings have natural skills they are unaware of. They have the potential to become teachers, counsellors, or energy healers, and this is part of why they are such sensitive individuals. 

They’re usually compassionate and love to help others. You may find that your dormant healing skills become quite powerful as you continue to investigate and develop during your spiritual awakening and development journey.

You may find yourself able to help others heal from emotional wounds or even physical ailments. Keep exploring and growing, and don’t be afraid to share your gifts with the world. 

Spiritual healing is a methodical and intentional action undertaken by one or more individuals to aid another person in their overall well-being. 

Affirmations, meditation, prayers, reiki, acupuncture, reflexology, tarot, or astrology readings are a few techniques that you can be used to heal others and yourself.

Spiritual healers often have personal experiences related to their abilities, which they use as tools for helping others. 

And as you go through your dark nights of the soul periods, you will learn many skills, and in turn, you will be able to help others and heal yourself.

There is no one spiritual healing approach that is universally accepted. The goal of spiritual healing is to help the person achieve greater balance and wholeness in their lives, both physically and spiritually. 

Spiritual healing is beneficial for the person receiving it and can also be helpful to the spiritual healer. 

When done skillfully and compassionately, spiritual healing can help us connect more deeply with our own spirituality and inner resources. 

It has been said that through this process, we may come into greater contact with our divine selves.

What are some possible benefits of spiritual healing?

Some potential benefits of spiritual healing include the following:

 

    • Reduced stress and anxiety levels 
    • Improved mental clarity and concentration 
    • Regeneration or restoration of physical health – including increased energy, strength and immunity 
    • Enhanced emotional well-being Reduction or elimination of pain and inflammation Reduction or elimination of symptoms from various health conditions.
    • Healing relationships and broken bonds, including those with loved ones 
    • Reduced feelings of loneliness or isolation Opportunities for personal growth and transformation 
  • A deeper connection to the Divine

 

15. you forgive yourself more and more for things that used to have you consumed with shame, guilt or self-hate

Remembering self-forgiveness does not mean condoning or forgetting what we’ve done wrong during this time is crucial. 

Self-forgiveness means understanding and accepting ourselves as we are right now, flaws and all. 

Only then can we genuinely forgive ourselves for our past indiscretions – something that may take some time and effort but is ultimately worth it in the end. 

We can practice self-forgiveness by forgiving ourselves for the mistakes we’ve made in the past, both big and small. 

Rather than Dwell on Our Mistakes, try to Accept Them And Move On. 

Replace Negative Thoughts With More Positive Ones: “I’m sorry I said that hurtful thing,” with “I understand why I said what I did, it wasn’t intentional, but nonetheless, it was incredibly wrong.”

Another way to forgive ourselves is through prayer or meditation. Focusing on our thoughts and feelings can help us become more aware of our emotions and hopefully encourage us to forgive ourselves.

Alternatively, we can write down our thoughts and feelings about the mistake in question, then revisit them occasionally to remind ourselves of why we should forgive ourselves. 

Self-forgiveness is an integral part of forgiving others. Forgiving ourselves allows us to let go of our resentment and anger towards ourselves, which can help improve our overall mental health.

16. your patterns become disjointed, your sleep less and more, you eat more and then less or less than more, you have lots of energy, and then you feel drained.

As you move along, your dark night of the soul experience, you may become an erratic sleeper; your eating patterns can change; one minute, you are hungry, and the next, you are not; another, you are thirsty, then the next you are not, all your body clocks can become disjointed during a dark night of a soul experience.

During a harrowing night of the Soul, remember that you may need to sleep more than usual because you are so immersed in emotion. 

It’s essential to  try your best to relax, although you may not sleep well when you are going through a dark night of the soul experience as your mind, body and Soul heal, rebuild and rejuvenate as you find balanced self-expression, derived from your own sense of self and internal validation 

Giving yourself some time to decompress, relax and refuel. When it comes to eating, try not to stress too much about what or how much you’re consuming – just take in enough calories so that your body feels nourished but doesn’t feel weighed down by the food. Drink water if you cannot eat.

Seek out help if you cannot eat last for long periods.

And when it comes to emotions, remember that they will ebb and flow throughout the night, going up and down and all in between; don’t be afraid to lean on supportive friends or family members when needed. 

Sleep is usually peaceful and tranquil when we’re spiritually awake and connected.

However, bedtime can often be uncomfortable and chaotic when you’re going through a dark night of the soul. 

Usually, negative thoughts or past trauma can come up when trying to sleep; this can unnerve us as we can get into the habit of watching tv shows or listening to podcasts or music. 

This can cause problems for both our physical health and mental well-being. 

So whether you’re experiencing your DNOS or spiritual awakenings- downloads during the day or night, trying some new bedtime rituals may help restore balance in your inner world and improve your quality of sleep overall!

Because sleep is one of the fundamental elements of being a human being, not getting enough or not getting the right kind of sleep directly impacts how you feel and experience life. 

Sleep issues often underlie the chronic fatigue issue that also can show up for a lot of people during an awakening. 

How you sleep can be a reflection of the emotional state of your inner world. If you are feeling energetically overloaded and stressed, chances are good that your sleep won’t be very restful either. 

On the other hand, if you feel grounded and happy , getting quality shut-eye will likely be peaceful for you. 

What matters most is how comfortable each individual feels while they are sleeping— regardless of what else is going on in their inner lives!

You can do a few things to help ensure your sleep remains restful and supportive during an awakening.

First, set realistic expectations for how much sleep you will actually need each night (probably about 7-8 hours). 

 

This means honouring the fact that our bodies evolved to function best when we get a good balance of shut-eye throughout the week. 

 

Second, try incorporating some form of meditation or relaxation into your bedtime routine. 

 

It is amazing how simply slowing down and focusing on your breath can help ease anxiety and stress while winding down for the night. 

 

Third, establish healthy habits that enable a good night’s sleep, such as getting enough exercise, eating a balanced diet, and winding down for at least 30 minutes before bedtime every night. 

 

Finally, be gentle with yourself as you awaken during an awakening process. Know that it is ok to take some time to adjust and get your bearings.

 

Simply give yourself permission to feel whatever is happening right now—without judgment or criticism!

17. you get more spiritual downloads

So I mention awakening downloads above, but what are they?

Spiritual downloads are a powerful way to connect with your inner guidance. They can be anything from a new book idea, words for a poem or song, a design for a piece of art or a plan for a spiritual business.

Again these are not a badge of honour or anything to brag about; like buses, at times, ten spiritual downloads can come all at once; at others, it can take years to get one. 

Spiritual downloads give quick access to spiritual information, increase creativity, how you make decisions, uncover or bestow healing abilities and give you a stronger connection with the higher power.

Spiritual downloads can come via dreams, waking visions, conversations, walking in nature, from your gut-intuitive feelings, on your commute to work…. You get the idea; spiritual downloads can happen spontaneously and lead to information or ideas you didn’t have before.

But you now have the entire blueprint for bringing them into reality instantly.

You can also set the stage for spiritual downloads by setting yourself up for success.

Here are some tips:

– Allow time every day for inspiration and contemplation. When you’re ready, it will find you. Start by scheduling 10-15 minutes each morning and evening free from work or other obligations so that you can focus on your own growth and development rather than running around trying to do everything at once.

 

– Write down what comes into your mind when you’re thinking about something spiritually significant (this might be hard at first, but try it!). This will help speed up the process of connecting with your inner guidance.

 

– Be open to receiving input from all sources – whether that means talking with friends or family about their spiritual beliefs, reading religious texts (or any text), listening to music that inspires you, etc…. Just allow yourself space and time to explore these things without judgement or fear of being incorrect/invalidated/.

 

If there’s something, in particular, that’s been bothering you lately but isn’t resolving itself naturally through normal channels such as talk therapy or self-reflection, then consider seeking out a personal divination session specifically tailored towards spiritual guidance instead). 

 

By following these simple tips, we can start opening up more fully to your inner wisdom and guiding light!

18. you become more self-aware as you learn to understand and overcome your dark night of the soul

The capacity to concentrate on yourself and how your behaviours, ideas, or feelings match or mismatch with your personal norms is referred to as self-awareness and as you go through your dark night of the Soul and the general spiritual awakening process.

You will grow in self-awareness. Seeing how your thoughts and emotions influence you as well as how your unresolved trauma and the triggers they cause have been draining so much of your energy.

Below are some of the primary forms of self-awareness

  • Bodily self-awareness. This sense of awareness allows humans to understand that they are different from the rest of the environment in terms of their physical form. For example, you can feel your hair sticking up when it’s windy outside.

 

  • Emotional self-awareness. This type of awareness allows people to understand how they are feeling, which can help them make better decisions about their actions. As you begin to understand your emotions and how they are affecting your thoughts and behaviour, you begin to transform them 

For instance, if you’re feeling embarrassed, you might start doubting yourself and worrying about what others think of you. Becoming aware of this habit can help you develop coping mechanisms as you work towards healing and managing your triggers.

  • Cognitive self-awareness or thinking self-awareness is awareness of one’s own mental processes – for example, knowing why a given decision was made or understanding one’s thoughts.

 

  • Social self-awareness. This type of awareness allows you to navigate social spaces and understand how they work developing this awareness helps you understand the emotions expressed by others.

 

  • Introspective self-awareness. This is the ability to look inside your own mind and reflect on your thoughts, feelings, and experiences.

 

There is considerable debate over which form of self-awareness is the most important. Some argue that all forms are necessary for optimal functioning, while others insist that emotional self-awareness is paramount. 

 

The ability to accurately assess one’s own mental and emotional states is known as self-awareness. 

 

This helps you make better decisions, assess your performance in a task, and understand your motivations, and you will notice that you get better at this as you learn to overcome your dark night of the soul episodes.

19. You begin to see through your own bullcrap and spiritual consumerism

You see through fake spirituality, seeing that your dark night of the soul and spiritual awakening journey are more than wearing or using crystals, tarot cards, angel numbers, nice retreats, sweat lodges, festivals, and social kudos. 

Nor is it about toxic self-care regimes, spiritual bypassing, or any other trap we all fall into as we tread alone on our spiritual awakening path driven by our many dark nights of souls.

 

There is no shortcut to spiritual enlightenment until you are prepared to smash your life entirely with a wrecking ball, including the understanding, healing, and continuous work to remove or rechannel your toxic thought and behaviour habits. 

 

You will have to change to bring transformation in your life as you prepare to rise like a phoenix from your own ashes; as you experience many dark nights of the soul, you become willing to use your time and resources effectively.

 

If you want to become a better person, you have to give it your all; there can not be any grey area, as it can be painful to be in limbo on your spiritual awakening journey. 

 

Forgive yourself if your progress is slower than you would like; it is okay. Everyone’s journey is different.

 

It takes sincere and honest effort to grow into a more authentic version of ourselves. Be willing to ask for help when needed, as the process can feel daunting at first, but it will be worth it in the end!

20. you want to help others more after experiencing dark nights of the soul

When you go through a spiritual awakening, it will change the way that you look at the world and make you want to help others more. 

When you go through a spiritual awakening, it changes the way that you look at the world and makes you want to help others more. 

This is because you will start seeing things in a different light, and this can open your eyes to see that there are people who are suffering and need help.

This can also make you feel more compelled to do something about it, which is why once you undergo a spiritual awakening, it is essential that you commit yourself fully to helping others. 

You should try not just to talk about how much helping others means to you but actually do something about it so that everyone can benefit.

When you go through a spiritual awakening, it can also change the way that you think about yourself. Going through a spiritual Awakening change how you see yourself and the world around you. 

This is because when you undergo this process, your perspective on life will change, so your ego will lose some of its power over you. 

In other words, after going through spiritual Awakening, your view of self and others becomes much more objective and empathic 

When you go through a spiritual Awakening, you will start to see yourself as part of a larger whole. 

You will begin to see yourself as one piece of a much larger puzzle, which can change how you view your life.

As you venture through your Spiritual Awakening and the dark night of the soul processes, it is common for people to develop increased empathy and compassion for others which is why helping others becomes so important to them.

Bonus number 21….beware of toxic spirituality and spiritual bypassing on your spiritual awakening journey.

Instead of responding to the challenge, the receiver will use your rage as evidence to doubt your reality instead of resolving it. 

Toxic spirituality is the practice of using spiritual, philosophical, mystical or religious teachings or practices to justify harmful behaviour. 

It can be harmful because it reinforces toxic thinking and encourages self-hatred. 

There isn’t a precise definition, but toxic spirituality tends to:

 

-Encourage self-hatred 

-Promote negative thinking 

-Enable harmful behaviour -Silence dissent

-Maintain hierarchical structures -seem to be based on a personal code of morality rather than the teachings of a religious teacher -Reward unquestioning obedience.

There isn’t a definitive answer, but it’s essential to be aware of the signs that someone may be using their religious teachings in a harmful way. 

 

If you feel like your spiritual practices are putting you at risk, speak up. It’s also important to remember that no one religion is free from blame, so don’t use them as an excuse for mistreatment or bad behaviour. 

 

Toxic spirituality can be identified by its adverse effects on individual mental and spiritual health and the social fabric of communities. It can also be detected by its justification of oppressive or harmful behaviours. 

 

In his book Towards a Psychology of Awakening, transpersonal psychotherapist John Welwood coined the phrase “spiritual bypassing”. 

 

To describe a tendency to use spiritual explanations to avoid complex psychological problems. 

 

Spiritual bypassing, according to Welwood, is a ” propensity to use spiritual notions and activities to sidestep or cope with unresolved emotional problems, psychological scars, and unfinished growth tasks.”

 

Welwood discovered that people (particularly himself) often used spirituality as a defence tool or weapon while working as a therapist and Buddhist teacher. 

 

Individuals would simply dismiss difficulties or confront unresolved issues rather than work through difficult emotions or face them. To help individuals understand and overcome this propensity, Welwood invented the phrase “spiritual bypassing.”

 

Spiritual bypassing can have negative consequences for both the individual and society as a whole. 

 

For example, unresolved emotions can lead to mental health problems such as anxiety or depression, while spiritual explanations may not address underlying issues. 

 

This type of self-defeating behaviour also creates social tension because it undermines trust and communication between different groups of people. 

 

Additionally, spiritual explanations often ignore reality’s complex nature, which can result in inaccurate assumptions or false beliefs. In short, spiritual bypassing can lead to many problems, but we must understand and address it to promote healthy mental and social development. 

 

Spiritual bypassing is a typical behaviour that can be difficult to overcome. However, various interventions and techniques can help people address and work through their spiritual beliefs.

 

For example, spirituality may be explored in depth alongside other emotions and experiences, or individuals may develop skills for confronting challenging thoughts and feelings. 

 

Additionally, mindfulness practices may provide valuable insight into how we use our spirituality emotionally. 

 

Overall, we must be open-minded when it comes to our spiritual beliefs, as they can have a significant impact on our lives, both individually and collectively.

 

So remember, sometimes the levels of depression and anxiety will still stay high, through your dark night of the Soul. 

 

A spiritual awakening journey is not about pushing down emotions and trying to mimic what others say a spiritual person should be like.

It is about living a healthy lifestyle as you unfold into my internal stability and understand the many barriers to constantly remaining in this state.

 

Seeing why it is not even necessary to be yippee, kay yay, the hills are alive with the sound of music 24/7 as your live out your spiritual quest.

 

Times can be hard

The pain is still real

But the path is worth it

Because its the only way you can heal

Conclusion

There’s no question that the awakening process a dark night of the Soul can trigger can be a confusing and intense experience! 

 

Having been through many myself, I caution you that you are never too “enlightened” to experience one, although your 5th-7th

experience may not be as hard-hitting as the first 1-3. 

 

The dark night of the soul experience always takes you to emotions you may try to avoid, no matter how far on your spiritual journey.

 

Still, the following still happens, one of the first things you may notice is how different everything seems— sometimes even slightly unfamiliar, as you come through another end of a dark night of the soul (DNOS) experience.

 

This is a sign that you are moving closer to the surface and emerging into your true spiritual identity. It’s also natural for there to be some sadness, loneliness, and doubts during this time. 

 

However, through prayer and practice, it is possible to gain clarity about who you are and what you need to move forward on your journey of self-discovery.

 

The most important thing during an awakening process is not to get bogged down by all the changes happening around you— simply allow yourself space to explore what is occurring without judgement or criticism.

Ultimately, embracing the dark night of the Soul is a journey that leads to ever-growing self-knowledge and growth. 

 

So just take it one step at a time, enjoy the ride, and trust in your intuition— you will get through this process safely and successfully!